Bird Flu Alert for Eastern Iowa Pet Owners from the CDC – What to Know

Each year, my wife and I like stopping by her brother's house just outside of Marion.  He has an array of animals to see, keeping bird feeders and a barn for outside dwellers of all sorts.

One of the things that comes with a barn many times is cats.  They find the shelter, and then kittens sometimes follow.  Her brother would let us know when there were new barn kittens, and we would try to sneak a peek.  Most every kitten that has ventured from that barn has found a home.

The CDC Has Issued a Warning!

If you have any barn cats you keep an eye on, especially the cats you have in your circle, you'll want to pay close attention to the message sent forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about the bird flu and how it could impact you and your feline friends.

Could My Pet Be Impacted by Bird Flu?

The short answer is yes, but the CDC says this about which animals can possibly contract bird flu: "seals, bears, foxes, skunks; farmed mink; stray or domestic animals, such as cats and dogs; and zoo animals, such as tigers and leopards."  We're so close to, "lions, tigers, and bears, oh my," so I'll just say it anyway.

Get our free mobile app

They do admit that it is rare, but cats can contract the virus, especially if they are outside cats. That's because they could be exposed to infected birds or raw food products that may carry the virus.

What Are the Symptoms in Pets?

The CDC says bird flu in cats can be tricky, because its symptoms are a lot like other illnesses. That means it’s easy to miss, and your furry friend might not get the treatment they need right away. Always better to be safe and get a test if you're unsure!

They're also suggesting keeping cats indoors for now until the spread of bird flu abates.  At the time of the report, no cases of bird flu in cats have been officially reported in Iowa, though one human infection has occurred in the northern part of the state. This indicates that, while there is concern, the situation is still being monitored, and pet owners should stay informed about any developments.